International Childhood Cancer Day 2025
International Childhood Cancer Day (ICCD), February 15, calls to action to raise awareness about childhood cancer and promote efforts to improve treatment, care, and the overall quality of life for young cancer patients.
Today, OncoDaily, in partnership with SIOP, had brought together the oncology community for the second Global OncoThon, featuring global healthcare leaders, physicians and scientists, and celebrities – united to advance pediatric cancer research.
We picked the highlights of this day from around the world and OncoThon.
“At the second Global Oncothon by Oncodaily, I was honored to officially open the day in support of research for Pediatric Cancer Patients.
I Just donated to the International Society for Pediatric Oncology (SIOP) and I’ve challenged 3 friends to donate $10 each and ask 3 more friends to do the same. Join the cause!
Link to donate.”
“Today is Childhood Cancer Day! The 2nd Global OncoThon started early in the morning! Her Royal Highness Princess Dina Mired, Leo Messi, Richard Gere and Alejandra, professionals, patients and advocates from all over the world already joined the OncoThon and the day continues, so stay tuned!
The goal is one – to support children with cancer! To raise awarness and funds for pediatric cancer research!
OncoDaily in collaboration with the International Society of Paediatric Oncology – SIOP, organized the 2nd Global OncoThon, once again to unite for this important cause!
During her opening address Her Royal Higness Princess Dina started a challenge – the Oncothon Challenge!
She donated 10 dollars to SIOP and passed the challenge to 3 her friends, who should continune the challenge and not break it!
I am joining Princess Dina”s Oncothon challange and I also donate 10 dollars to the SIOP and pass the challenge to my three friends – my lovely wife Lilya Gyunashyan, my brother and the co-founder of OncoDaily Samvel Chakhalyan and my dear friend, famous pediatric oncologist who couldn’t join us today physically, but is certainly with us Leo Mascarenhas!
Please, donate 10 dollars to SIOP (the link is bellow) and continue the challenge by passing it to 3 of your friends for every child with cancer.
I call also to all my friends and all the people who see it, join the Oncothon challenge! Let the magic begin from you!”
“Today on childhood cancer awareness day, I joined distinguished players to discuss awareness, new trends and solutions to reduce its burden.
I also joined the donation challenge. Will you do the same and share?”
“‘Research is not a luxury, it is a necessity in LMICs.’
At the Second Global OncoThon by OncoDaily, Guillermo Chantada, President of the International Society of Pediatric Oncology emphasised the crucial role of research in improving cancer care, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
He highlighted the financial barriers to research and the need for tailored evidence generation, as cancer in these regions often presents differently than in high-income countries.
Furthermore, he mentioned the necessity of international collaboration and data sharing to drive progress, calling for more advocacy to overcome barriers to global cooperation. Chantada concluded by reiterating that advances in cancer care will not happen if research remains isolated.
Join the Second Global OncoThon by OncoDaily.
Donate now.”
World Health Organization (WHO):
“It’s International Childhood Cancer Day. Most children with cancer can be cured, yet it remains a leading cause of death. To improve survival rates for childhood cancer:
- Diagnose on time
- Access and complete treatment
- Manage toxicity
- Monitor for relapse”
Childhood Cancer International:
“This February, let’s commemorate International Childhood Cancer Day. Let’s #InspireAction together, by joining the ICCD2025, organised by Childhood Cancer International and SIOP. Learn more and participate here.”
“This International Childhood Cancer Day we’re celebrating findings from Cancer Grand Challenges team NexTGen. They’ve made an exciting discovery about our immune system, which could lead to more advanced immunotherapies and cancer vaccines. Read more.”
“Thanks for featuring this piece, Open Magazine on the occasion of International Childhood Cancer Day 2025. We need all the support for better outcomes.”
“Today, February 15 – International Childhood Cancer Day! The 2nd Global OncoThon started early this morning, with address from Messi, Richard and Alejandra Gere, bringing together global leaders, professionals, patients, and advocates for one mission: to support children with cancer and raise awareness and funds for pediatric cancer research!
It was an honor to share the floor with renowned global leaders Ms. Penilla Gunther (EU Cancer Mission, Sweden), Prof. Richard Sullivan (King’s College London), Prof. M. Tezer Kutluk (Past UICC President, Turkey) and Alberto Costa (CEO, European School of Oncology).
During her opening address, Her Royal Highness Princess Dina Mired launched the OncoThon Challenge by donating $10 to SIOP and passing the challenge to three friends, urging them to continue the chain and make a difference!
I am joining the OncoThon Challenge! I have donated $10 to SIOP, accepting challenge from Aren Karapetyan and now pass the challenge to Arman Oganisian, Martin Harutyunyan and Tanja Obradovic. Let’s keep this going!
Together, we can make a real impact. Let’s stand united in the fight against childhood cancer.”
Pediatric Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Armenia:
“February 15 is observed as International Childhood Cancer Day. The symbol of childhood cancer is the gold ribbon, representing the invaluable worth of children in our lives.
This day was first recognized in 2001 in Luxembourg, initiated by parents of children with cancer. Since then, many countries around the world have held awareness events on February 15 to draw public attention to this important issue.
Cancer is not a verdict.”
“Today, at the International Childhood Cancer Day, we are coming together to raise vital funds for pediatric cancer research. This is a fantastic opportunity to support a cause that impacts so many young lives. Your participation can help drive advancements in treatment and care for children battling cancer. Please participate and donate! even a small donation counts.”
“UICC welcomes the new ACT for Children initiative that brings together several UICC members and partners to address paediatric cancer disparities in LMICs, including Servier and IDA Foundation, World Child Cancer, Childhood Cancer International, and Resonance Health Ltd.
In collaboration with the UICC-led ATOM Coalition, the initiative has already delivered USD 2.3 million worth of innovative paediatric oncology medicines to cancer centres in Asia and Central America, with plans to extend its reach and scope.
“The ATOM Coalition provides a crucial platform for all stakeholders to come together and reduce financial barriers. By adapting solutions to the unique context of LMICs, we are ensuring sustainable access to life-saving cancer treatments for children.” — Amy Israel, Senior Advisor, UICC-led ATOM Coalition.”
“Today, we recognize the incredible strength of children battling cancer. Each year, nearly half a million new cases arise, yet these young warriors often find themselves overlooked in the quest for research funding.
It’s disheartening to realize that while there are over 200 drugs available for adults, fewer than 30 have been developed specifically for children. This disparity calls for urgent action from all of us.
To raise awareness and funds for pediatric cancer research OncoDaily, in collaboration with the International Society of Paediatric Oncology – SIOP, organized the 2nd Global OncoThon, once again to unite for this important cause!
During her opening address Her Royal Higness Princess Dina Mired started a challenge – the Oncothon Challenge! She donated 10 dollars to SIOP and passed the challenge to 3 her friends, who should continune the challenge and not break it!
I am joining Princess Dina Mired’s Oncothon challenge and donating $10 to International Society of Paediatric Oncology – SIOP.
I’m passing the challenge to Samah Alfadul, my partner in crime who shares my passion for oncology research; Ruzanna Papyan, my dear friend and head of the pediatric cancer unit in Armenia; and my American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) mentor 2024, Bani Tchekanova.
Please donate $10 to SIOP and continue the challenge by passing it to three of your friends.
For every child with cancer.”
“On this International Childhood Cancer Day 2025, Dr. Rawad Rihani, President-elect of the POEM Group encourages all of us to come together to inspire action and drive change for Children with Cancer across our region and beyond!”
“At the Second Global OncoThon by OncoDaily, Tezer Kutluk.
He thanked the organizers and stressed that while amplifying voices and raising awareness are important, they are not enough—we must take concrete steps to improve childhood cancer care. He also highlighted the critical challenges of providing pediatric cancer treatment in conflict and war zones, calling for governments to prioritize childhood cancer at the highest levels.
Join the Second Global OncoThon by OncoDaily.
Donate now.”
“Feb 15 is international childhood cancer day! Every child, no matter where they’re born, deserves access to diagnosis, treatment and care. Let’s keep working to close the global survival gap!”
“On February 15, 2025, we are coming together for the Second Global OncoThon – a 24-hour, nonstop event uniting leading oncologists, researchers, policymakers, advocates, and survivors worldwide.
Organized by OncoDaily in collaboration with International Society of Paediatric Oncology (SIOP), this initiative is more than just an event – it’s a call to action for pediatric cancer research.
Together, we can drive innovation, collaboration, and change for children with cancer. Let’s make every second of OncoThon2025 count!”
“Today February 15th, Join POEM Group and Dr. Khaled Ghanem, POEM’s Membership Committee Chair, to celebrate International Childhood Cancer Day and unite our voices and raise awareness together, especially in our limited resources region.
Watch here.”
“Second International Oncothon: between Richard Gere, Leo Messi and HRH Princess Dina!
It was a privilege to join this initiative today, along with my colleagues Pr. Kaspers (Princess Maxima), Pr. Pramesh (Tata Memorial Mumbai) and Pr. Britt Marie Frost (Uppsala University). Dr Shushan Hovsepyan (Paediatric Oncologist in Yerevan, and Editor-in-Chief of the OncoDaily) was interviewing us on this special day. We have achieved a lot, but we still have a long road ahead of us…”
“OncoThon 2025: Transforming Childhood Cancer Care, One Session at a Time Today, global experts shared powerful insights on improving treatment access and survival rates. Her Excellency Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu highlighted the lack of awareness in many low-income countries, stressing the need for education and training in these regions.
Rob Pieters posed a critical question: “If your child had cancer, would you seek treatment abroad”? His work at the Princess Maxima has helped boost survival rates to 84%. Paco Arango and Ishtar Espejo emphasized the importance of unity in pediatric cancer care, as their foundation extends support to children and refugees from Gaza and Ukraine.
The OncoThon challenge, led by HRH Princess Dina Mired, continues to inspire global action in the fight against childhood cancer.
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